Chris Hardwicke led the reimagining of Fredericton's historic exhibition grounds while principal at O2 Planning and Design. This bold partnership between the New Brunswick Exhibition (NBEX) and the City of Fredericton produced a transformative Site Development Plan delivering revitalized public amenities and modernised NBEX facilities, funded entirely through strategic redevelopment of the site.

Community engagement revealed a pressing need for enhanced social services and affordable housing. In response, Chris collaborated with NBEX to broaden its mission, integrating social infrastructure and forging new alliances with local organisations. The City facilitated partnerships with the school board, recreation department, and social service providers to ensure the plan reflects the full range of Fredericton's community needs.

Building on NBEX's 150-year agricultural legacy, the vision creates a vibrant urban hub woven into the fabric of daily life, featuring dynamic public spaces, improved connectivity, and flexible facilities supporting everything from community events to local food education.

Three adaptable development scenarios accommodate varying levels of investment and partnership, allowing the City and NBEX to respond to market shifts and emerging opportunities over time. The plan is grounded in sustainability, inclusivity, and universal accessibility.

Community input was gathered through two engagement phases conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic: the first delivered in-person with strict health protocols, the second conducted virtually through digital collaboration boards, online surveys, and interactive platforms.